President Masoud Pezeshkian has asserted Iran’s right to defend itself against any nation hosting hostile military operations. He warned that “development and security” are impossible as long as the U.S. and Israel “run” the war from Gulf territory. This legal and military justification comes as the conflict passes the thirty-day mark.
The war has increasingly involved Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar, as regional airbases are utilized for combat sorties. Iran has viewed these countries as active participants in the war due to their hosting of American military assets. As a result, the entire Gulf has become a theater for retaliatory strikes.
In his recent address, Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran is not the aggressor in this conflict. He stated that his country only retaliates when its infrastructure or economic hubs are targeted by foreign forces. This defensive posture is intended to shift the blame for the escalating violence onto those hosting the U.S. military.
The broader significance of this stance is the pressure it exerts on the sovereignty of Gulf states. They are now faced with a choice between maintaining their security agreements with the West and avoiding Iranian missiles. This dilemma is at the heart of the current regional crisis.
Diplomatic efforts are now being channeled through Pakistan, which is serving as a neutral ground for talks. Prime Minister Sharif’s coordination with various regional powers is seen as a “last-ditch” effort to prevent further escalation. The goal is to build a framework for peace that respects the security needs of all nations.